Judges 9:46

Authorized King James Version

And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
כָּֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
בַּעֲלֵ֖י
And when all the men
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#4
מִֽגְדַּל
of the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#5
שְׁכֶ֑ם
of Shechem
shekem, a place in palestine
#6
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
that they entered
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
צְרִ֔יחַ
into an hold
a citadel
#9
בֵּ֖ית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
אֵ֥ל
of the god
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#11
בְּרִֽית׃
Berith
berith, a shechemitish deity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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